Merry Makers Club was founded in 1926 by a group of Black students attending Columbus East High School. These Black students were not permitted to attend social functions with White students and in response created their own social club, branded as the Merry Makers Club. The Club functioned primarily as a social club, however by 1936, Merry Makers began getting involved in charitable and civic activities. The Club and its members continued to evolve while increasing their power, influence, resources and charitable contributions. In 1955, these visionary leaders had the foresight to purchase a building that sat on the site of our current headquarters located at 618 E. Spring St.

In 1991, The Merry Makers Club Foundation of Columbus Inc. was created in an effort to formally organize the many philanthropic efforts of the Club. The Foundation is the primary vehicle through which the Club implements its mission of charitable contribution. To date, the Foundation has raised over $650,000 to help provide transformational financial support to students enrolled at The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, and Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD).

We currently have endowed scholarships of $500k at our three partner schools. We believe that education is the key to breaking barriers and building a brighter future. To mark the Merry Makers Centennial celebration taking place on August 28, 2026, we have launched the March to a Million College Scholarship Campaign. Our goal is to raise the dollars needed to get our collective endowed scholarships to $1 Million dollars.

Since the inception of the Merry Makers Club Foundation of Columbus, Inc. we have successfully awarded more than $400,000 and empowered more than 175 students to pursue their higher education goals with endowments at OSU (1991) and CSCC (2002). Our scholarship recipients have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields, becoming leaders, innovators, and advocates for positive change in their communities. This year we are also excited to add Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD).

We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Your support can make a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring students, fostering a society where education is a catalyst for positive change.

Merry Makers Club Inc. Centennial Gala

Centennial Gala